(February 8, 2010) Toyota  is preparing a recall of its new Prius hybrid car in Japan as early as Tuesday, followed by similar steps in the United States, Europe and other markets, a source familiar with its plans said, Automotive News reported today.

Toyota, which has earned a reputation as the green-vehicle front-runner with the fuel-sipping Prius, has said it is discussing with safety authorities worldwide how to fix a software glitch that delays braking on the model in certain road conditions.

(February 7, 2010) Suzuki Motor Corp. and Mazda Motor Corp., Japan's fourth- and fifth-biggest car makers, hiked their annual profit forecasts Friday as they enjoyed higher demand in some markets and cut costs.

Suzuki and Mazda, like other automakers globally, have been slashing fixed costs and boosting production efficiencies to cope with the global economic slowdown, while getting a boost from government incentives on purchases of fuel-efficient cars.

(February 6, 2010) Akio Toyoda, president of Toyota, today expressed his regret for the inconvenience and concern caused to Toyota customers. He also announced that he personally will take the lead toward improving quality around the world by establishing a global quality task force that will conduct quality improvement activities region by region.
 
The committee headed by Mr. Toyoda will have a six point action plan:
 
1) Improve Quality Inspection Process — Toyota will once again inspect every process, while verifying the causes that led to the recalls, including quality in design, production, sales and service.
 

(February 6, 2010) Ford's EcoBoost technology relies on direct injection, turbocharging and other technical wizardry to deliver improved performance and lower emissions. The refreshed mid-sized Ford Edge crossover will be one of the first vehicles in the Ford lineup to offer the EcoBoost 4 to customers. It will be shown at the Chicago Auto Show later this month.The EcoBoost V-6 can be found in several 2010 Ford and Lincoln vehicles.